Mornings With Jesus 2017 Sample

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Mornings with Jesus 2017

Copyright 2016 by Guideposts. All rights reserved.
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First printing August 2016 / Printed in the United States of America
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mornings with jesus 2017 | 1
Sunday, January 1
As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them,
and said to them, Peace to you! But they were startled and frightened and
thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, Why are you troubled,
and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet,
that it is I myself. . . . Luke 24:3639 (ESV)
HAVE YOU EVER FACED something new in your life and been confused about what Jesus was doing, how much He was really involved
in your circumstances?
These days Im confused about some new things Jesus is doing
with my family. My husband started a new business and weve relocated to a new neighborhood, and frankly, life feels foreign, as if I
landed in the middle of someone elses life and am supposed to take
it from here. Its unfamiliar territory, and at any given moment I
feel more unsettled than peaceful.
But Ive got enough history with Jesus that even when my feelings
speak otherwise, I know who holds today and the future. Hes the
same One Who has held me to this point. When I quiet myself, I
can recognize Him. I have to look for Him, just as He invited His
shell-shocked followers to do when they struggled with fears and
shaken peace at the new way He was showing up in their day-to-day
lives. Theyd never seen Him appear suddenly like that. They were
uncertain and scared about how to respond or even process what
had just happened.
Jesus is Lord of the new, and I need to be ready for Him to do
something new in my life. ERIN KEELEY MARSHALL
FAITH STEP: Think of a time when your life changed. Name the emotions you
felt. How did you sense Jesuss presence in your circumstances? Ask Him for eyes
to look for Him and a heart to see and respond to Him.
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2 | mornings with jesus 2017
Monday, January 2
I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17 (NIV)
IN THE PAST, I usually divided my new goals into categories each
year: Home, Personal, Marriage and Family, Spiritual Growth, to
name a few. But several years ago when my husband retired, something changed. I wanted to accomplish things for Jesus, but I had left
my workaholic drive behind. I enjoyed all of life and its activities, but
my goals and lists had already shrunk in recent years. Still, the conflict between complex and simple, good and best, battled at times. I
wanted to spend more time with my husband during his retirement,
yet still fulfill Gods personal calling on my life.
So I began asking Jesus more intentionally: What were His plans
for me? Did it really matter what I did as long as I tried to honor
Him? Was there something I needed to start? Amend? Complete?
How could I find the right balance in my life? I neededwanted
answers. I wanted to hear a personal word from Jesus.
Jesus often answers with principles in His Word, rather than specific instructions, giving us the power of choice and discernment. But
within days of my prayer, He directed my eyes toward a Scripture
verse that had my name on itone that promised He would teach
me what was best for me . . . and direct me in the way I should go.
And Jesus has been faithful to do that.
An assortment of good things begs for our attention every year.
But only Jesus knows what the best ones are. Thats why I started
exchanging my lists for a blank page. And trust is at the top of that
page. REBECCA BARLOW JORDAN
FAITH STEP: List some good things you have been involved in during the past
year. Then ask Jesus to teach you what is best for you this coming year.
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Tuesday, January 3
[Jesus said] Whoever finds their life will lose it,

and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39 (NIV)
A FRIEND TOLD ME about a day she got so wrapped up in her current
project that she missed lunch and started dinner late. The more she
wrote, the more ideas came to her. By the time she took a break, she
noticed the streetlights coming on and heard her stomach growling.
I know the feeling of getting lost in a good movie, an interesting conversation, or a challenging craft project. Im all too familiar
with being so absorbed in a well-written novel that Im oblivious to
everything else, especially the numbers on my bedside clock.
These things are good in and of themselves, but what I need to
experience more often is getting lost in Jesus. Meditating on His
love and mercy. Seeking to know Him on a deeper level. Focusing
on how I can learn to follow more closely in His steps.
Jesus calls on us every single day to live for Him, making decisions that help us replace a self-centered life with a sacrificial
one. As we get lost in Him, well discover a new richness in our
relationship, new opportunities for ministry, and renewed meaning and purpose in our lives . . . worth exceedingly great value.
DIANNE NEAL MATTHEWS
FAITH STEP: Today try to find a quiet moment to lose yourself in Jesus so much
that everything around you fades away and His presence fills you to the brim with
love, joy, and peace.
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Wednesday, January 4
No, do not be afraid of those nations, for the Lord your God is among you,
and he is a great and awesome God.
Deuteronomy 7:21 (NLT)
AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH NEW YEAR, I ask Jesus to give me a
specific word on which to focus for the next twelve months.
One year He gave me joy. Apparently He knew Id need it
because less than two weeks later I ruptured an Achilles tendon.
Nine days after that, I suffered a knee injury on the opposite leg
and thus lost mobility for three months. Shingles hit me two weeks
after I started walking again. Later that year, my husband was diagnosed with cancer. Learning to choose joy despite difficulties was a
lifesaver for me.
Last year He gave me deeper. He used a difficult family relationship to peel me like a human onion, but the experiencealbeit
more painful than I could have imaginedcatapulted me into a
more intimate walk with Him.
This years word is great. I have no idea how Jesus will use it to
accomplish His purposes in and through my life, but I anticipate good
thingsnot necessarily easy, but rich in life lessons.
Spiritual writer and pastor Jack Hayford said, We have a great
Savior. Therefore, we are encouraged to expect great victories,
knowing that great battles are necessary for conquest, but confident
because He is leading us. I posted this quote on my fridge where
Ill see it often. It fills me with hope and courage for whatever the
next twelve months hold. GRACE FOX
FAITH STEP: Write Pastor Hayfords quote on a recipe card and post it on your
fridge. Ask Jesus to reveal His greatness to you and to your loved ones.
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Thursday, January 5
He must increase and I must decrease. The one who comes from above
is above all things. . . . John 3:3031 (CEB)
RUNNING IN THE BACKGROUND of my thoughts this year has been
more or less? Ive been challenged to ask myself the question with
every activity I tackle, every opportunity that crosses my path, even
what I put in my mouth or view with my eyes.
Do I need more of this or less of it in my life?
The question is rooted in a desire to bring everything I do into
compliance with what Jesus expects of me and longs to see in me.
Its not an easy challenge, but necessary.
A mildly interesting television show follows the one I really
wanted to watch. Do I need more or less television in my life? Less.
A girlfriend asks me to lunch to discuss a concern weighing on
her heart. Do I need more or fewer lunches with friends? More.
The process of deepening friendships has too often been neglected
in recent years.
A coupon for free frozen custard is burning a hole in my pocket.
Its free! But I need less frozen custard in my life right now, not more.
More time for prayer; less social media. More handwritten
notes; less e-mail. More quiet; less noise. More of Jesus; less of me.
He must increase; I must decrease. But what does it mean, practically speaking? One way Im working to apply that principle this
year is by doing more of what comes naturally to Him and less of
what comes naturally to me. As only He can, Jesus makes the math
work out beautifully. CYNTHIA RUCHTI
FAITH STEP: Remember simple math symbols like 6 >3? Create a bookmark
with this abbreviated expression from John 3:30: Jesus >Me. Its a principle not
of diminishing returns but of increasing joy.
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Friday, January 6
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill
his promises to her! Luke 1:45 (NIV)
THIS YEAR JOHN AND I brought four girls into our home through
foster care. After seven months, we celebrated their official adoption. Having them join our family has been both joyful and challenging. These girls are preteens and teens, and theyve already faced
a lot of heartache. Some of them have struggled to believe wed keep
them. Its easy to understand; theyve been told before that they
were going to be adopted, and it didnt happen. They worried about
getting their hopes up only to be sent away again. They tested us over
and over to see if we would keep our word.
Yet, when it came to the youngest of the girls, Florentina, there has
been no doubt. Florentina moved in and acted as if our house has
always been home. Shes never wavered. She still struggles with the pain
and heartache of the past, but shes found home . . . and she believes it.
I asked her why she never questioned this adoption. She told me
that one night she was praying and Jesus spoke to her heart. She felt
Him saying that He had a family picked out for her, and she just
had to believe. Even at the young age of eleven, she clung to that.
At the very same time Jesus was speaking to my husband and
me about opening our home to more kids, Jesus was speaking to
Florentina, giving her assurance that she would receive a family.
Faith is trusting that Jesus has your good in mind, even when its
hard to see. My hope is that I would learn to believe that Jesus would
fulfill His promises to me with equal assurance! TRICIA GOYER
FAITH STEP: Pray for children in foster care. Pray for Jesus to stir the hearts of
couples to open their homes. Pray for foster children to know Jesus and believe
He cares for them.
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Saturday, January 7
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23:6 (KJV)
JANUARY , , IS A DATE I will always remember. It was two days
before my thirteenth birthday. It was also the day my grandmother
died.
My mother got the urgent call before daybreak. Grandma had
taken a sudden turn for the worse. My brother and I awoke hours
later to discover our mom sitting in the breakfast nook of the
kitchen, her face soaked with tears.
Shes gone. I could almost hear her heart crumbling as she said
it. My brother immediately hugged her and cried in her arms, but I
froze, unable to imagine what that meantlife without our matriarch. My mother reminded us that the doctor had said just days earlier that my grandmother would fully recover from her heart attack.
If only, my mother cried, the doctors had done more to save her.
The Bible talks about the only time Jesus wept after arriving to
find that His dear friend Lazarus had died. In John 11:32 (NKJV),
Mary cried out when she saw Him: Lord, if You had been here, my
brother would not have died.
If only. The promise within that chapter is something I now know
is the promise my grandmother received. Jesus restored Lazarus in
this life and restored my grandmother in the next.
My grandmothers favorite Scripture was always Psalm 23. Those
words have been a comfort to me over the years because I know she
will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. TARICE L. S. GRAY
FAITH STEP: Are you missing a loved one? Grieving? Read Psalm 23 and take
comfort in the promises of God.
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Sunday, January 8
. . . Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and
sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
AS A YOUNG MINISTERS WIFE AND A MOM, I visualized a life filled with
a sense of adventure, extraordinary surprises, and joyful moments.
And Jesus has been faithful to give me many of those blessings. But
what I didnt expect was that ordinary, routine tasks would take up so
much of my time: planning meals, cleaning house, listening to hurting people, coordinating busy schedules. Ive often caught myself
complaining about the much more common, necessary, mundane
work of my life. I didnt always appreciate its role or its importance.
So in studying the life of Jesus in the Gospels, I was surprised to
discover that much of His day was filled with ordinary tasks: teaching
stubborn disciples the same lessons again and again; loving angry enemies day after day; walking long, dusty roads to get to the next town,
and then to arrive only to greet complaining and hurting people everywhere He turned. It was a life filled with repetition and unexceptional
moments. And yet because of one underlying purpose, Jesuss work
became extraordinary. Everything He didall the mundane, difficult,
annoying, ordinary taskswas to bring glory to God (John 12:2728).
That was the joy set before Him from the very beginning.
Our routine life was never intended to confine us or define us, but
it can refine us, if we let it. When we keep our eyes on Jesus and do
everything for the same joyto bring glory to Godevery one of
our tasks becomes extraordinary too. REBECCA BARLOW JORDAN
FAITH STEP: List your daily, ordinary tasks. Then draw a smiley face or an
exclamation point beside each one to remind you of the extraordinary joy set
before you.
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Monday, January 9
A voice came from the cloud, saying, This is my Son, whom I have chosen;
listen to him. Luke 9:35 (NIV)
ID PHONED IN A PRESCRIPTION RENEWAL, but the pharmacy called
back to say it had expired, so theyd talk to the doctor. The next day
my caller ID showed a missed call from the doctors office. What if
insurance wont cover the medicine? What if the clinic is calling to tell
me I need to make another appointment? I was having a rough day and
didnt want one more complication, so I didnt play the recording.
The next morning my husband noticed the blinking light and
played the message: Hi. This is the doctors office letting you know
we sent the prescription you requested to the pharmacy.
Simple. Solved. No big deal. I shook my head at my earlier anxieties.
It made me wonder what other helpful news I postpone hearing.
How often do I slap my hands over my ears, afraid to hear the message Jesus has for me in case it complicates my life? Sometimes I beg
Him for direction but then quickly say Amen and turn away, not
willing to listen to His guidance. Other times I read His Word, come
upon a Scripture that challenges or convicts me, and stick my bookmark there to think about the passage another day.
When God spoke from the cloud on the mountain where Jesus
was transfigured, Peter, James, and John heard a specific instruction:
Listen to Him.
I can study the life of Jesus. I can wear a cross as a symbol of being
His follower. I can talk about Him with others. But if Im not willing to listen to Him, Ill miss many blessings. His words are light
and truth and good news. SHARON HINCK
FAITH STEP: Next time you listen to a voice-mail message, use that as a reminder
to pause. Take that moment to ask Jesus to help you listen to Him.
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Tuesday, January 10
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 (NLT)
OUR FAMILY HAS A NEW PUPPY, a three-pound bundle of fluff !
Tawny-haired with black tips along her back and tail, shes a
Poochon, a mix between a miniature poodle and a Bichon Frise.
Jasmine Beatriceaka Jazzy Bea, Bea-Bop, Jazz, or simply Bea
stole our hearts.
As Im writing this, Bea is thirteen weeks old, so were in the throes
of puppy love and shes slowly catching on to housebreaking and
obedience training. Shes a smart little thing with an infectious greeting every time we wake up or come home or invite her to play or curl
up on a lap. She knows the word out better than her name (Who can
fault her with that smattering of nicknames?), and just last night she
begged at the door to be taken out to do her business like the rockstar pup shes proving to be.
She came to us in the midst of a draining year: a job loss, a new
business, a new home, caring for elderly parents, stress, grief, and
adjustments galore! Although Bea is part of the redirection that sums
up our year, I see Jesuss kind of consuming joy in her every day. Each
morning she opens her eyes and then morphs into a mass of wiggles
at rediscovering the wonder of living. She reminds me to focus on the
life Jesus offers me and its many blessings, including His faithful presence and the peace of knowing He has my days and concerns in hand.
My joy may waver, but its so like Jesus to place a living reminder
of His joyful life in my path in the tiny form of Jasmine Beatrice.
ERIN KEELEY MARSHALL
FAITH STEP: Take the joy challenge in Scripture and ask Jesus to help you claim
His joy. He wants us to choose daily to thrive in joys wholeness. We will rejoice!
8/10/16 10:20 AM
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your
partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this,
that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:46 (NIV)
THESE DAYS I FIND I am easily distracted. I can set out to work on
a project and ten minutes later find I have completely gone off task
due to a text from my kids or the realization that I havent done
laundry in the past three days. It doesnt take much to get me going
on a completely different tangent. And then two hours later I realize, I still have to write that chapter.
So I have been working on my focus lately. It takes discipline to
stay on task. But keeping my mind focused on the work in front
of me is really my hearts desire because I love knowing that I have
accomplished what I set out to do.
Jesus has set out to accomplish something too. He is set on shaping you into the person He created you to be, if you will let Him. If
you will keep your eyes focused on Him. If you will yield your life
and your mind and your desires to Him.
It is easy to get distracted in this life. So many things are pulling at us and competing for our attention. But if we keep our
eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, He will do
exactly what He set out to doHe will carry out the good work
He began in us and He will complete it. He never gets distracted.
SUSANNA FOTH AUGHTMON
FAITH STEP: Write down the distractions that are pulling at you and then refocus
your attention on Jesus. Offer Him your plans, expectations, and desires and then
say, Jesus, I want You to complete Your work in me.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Thursday, January 12
First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then
the outside will become clean, too. Matthew 23:26 (NLT)
LAST WEEK MY HUSBAND AND I did our first ever coconut oil pull.
It isnt the best taste, but its hardly disgusting, and weve heard
the potential benefits are awesome: powerful detox, healthier body,
whiter teeth. Reportedly, coconut oil pulls have even healed dying,
decayed teeth.
We melted a tablespoon or so of quality, unrefined coconut oil
and swished it in our mouths for fifteen to twenty minutes. We
didnt swallow it because it was pulling toxins from our bodies, and
we didnt want to send them back down to our stomachs. When
time was up, we spit into the trash can, not the drain, so all that
junk didnt end up in our plumbing.
Body detox is trending as people try to get healthier quickly. But
even more important than cleaning out physically is making sure
were pure spiritually.
Jesus purifies us from the toxins we cant see and may not even
know are messing us up. Toxins such as dissatisfaction, ungratefulness, messed-up priorities, dishonesty, envy, and irritability can
slowly build while we dont even realize their filth-causing trouble.
But Jesus knows precisely the methods that will be most effective
for each of us. He promises to make everything new, including us.
Sometimes His processes take longer than wed like because He isnt
into a quick fix. Hes into the eternal.
What better way to begin the year than by asking Jesus for a spiritual detox? ERIN KEELEY MARSHALL
FAITH STEP: Do a coconut oil pull sometime this week. While youre swishing
the oil, ask Jesus to do the necessary work in you to help you be filled with Him.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Friday, January 13
God said, Let there be light. And so light appeared.

God saw how good the light was. . . . Genesis 1:34 (CEB)
IVE NEVER LIKED THE DARK. As a little girl, I often lay in bed at
night with my imagination running wild. I visualized all sorts of
scary things lurking around me. Maybe that explains why I love that
Gods first command during the creation of the world called for
light. He commanded light to shine and then separated it from the
darkness. On day four God fashioned the sun, moon, and stars to
light up the sky and divide day and night.
Later, Jesus arrived on the scene and lit up the world in a new
way. He proclaimed, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows
me will have a life filled with light and will never live in the dark
( John 8:12, GW). Jesus offered love, grace, and truth to people living
in the darkness of sin and fear of death.
Jesus also said that those who follow Him are to let their light shine
for others to see. If I claim to know Him, people should see something distinctive in my behavior, my conversation, and my life. My
character should demonstrate the difference between living for Jesus
and living apart from Hima difference as big as day and night.
These days I typically wake up way too early, sometimes two hours or
more before dawn. As I wait for the suns rays to chase away the darkness of night, I feel thankful that God created the lights in the heavens.
And during troubled times in my life, Im grateful for the Light of the
World Who lives in me. I know that His light is great enough to help
me find my way through any darkness. DIANNE NEAL MATTHEWS
FAITH STEP: Be sure to catch a sunrise one day this week. As you watch the suns
light gradually dispel the darkness, ask the Light of the World to shine through you
in a special way to everyone you meet that day.
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Saturday, January 14
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that

none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
I JUST GOT BACK INSIDE from tending the outdoor wood boiler that
keeps our cabin and bunkhouse wonderfully warm all winter. It
isnt difficult, but it has to be done every day.
When I wake up, I go outside and check the temperature and water
level while I wait fifteen seconds until its safe to open the door. Before
I clear ashes from the vents, I use a tool called a Wonder Bar to remove
any gunk or creosote off the edges of the door opening. Jet-black and
gooey, the residue sticks to the end of the tool as I scrape, eventually
falling like crinkled ribbons into the firebox.
I lost my Wonder Bar last year and couldnt get the edges clean for
a couple of days while I looked frantically through the snow. Nothing else worked, and if I didnt scrape it down to the bare metal
every day, the door wouldnt seal and the system would break down.
In the time it took to order another Wonder Bar, that sticky black
stuff baked hardalmost to a point where I couldnt get it off at all.
Dealing with unhealthy areas of our lives is similar.
Following Jesus isnt weekly; its daily. Dailiness is a theme in the
Bible, from manna being given and gathered daily; to prayers, sacrifices, and worship being offered; to Jesus teaching the disciples to
pray for daily bread.
Coming to Jesus daily is the remedy for anything gunky and
black in our lives. And the tool He uses? A community of likeminded people who can encourage us to walk in step with Him.
SUZANNE DAVENPORT TIETJEN
FAITH STEP: Pray to find a like-minded friend who is open to sharing struggles,
prayer, and encouragement.
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Sunday, January 15
He was despised and rejecteda man of sorrows, acquainted with

deepest grief. . . . Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was
our sorrows that weighed him down. Isaiah 53:34 (NLT)
SOMETIMES LIFE PACKS A PUNCH. And then another. And then maybe
another. Lifes been like that for several months among my close network of friends. Multiple health hits, some losses of life, financial setbacks, depressionstruggles that reverberate like unsettled rings of a
stone dropped into water. As faith people, we encourage each other to
take our heartaches to Jesus, to lay them at His feet, to surrender and let
go, to leave it at the Cross. It can almost sound clichd to a broken heart.
Letting go sounds good and light and freeing and godly and the
way were supposed to do things as followers of Jesus. But if were not
careful, we can turn letting go into one more legalistic have-to. Or
we can mistake letting go for stuffing our emotions that need to be
acknowledged and given room to ebb and flow and run their course.
So when Im faced with a loss, guilt can set in if I feel that Im not
getting over it quickly enough. But Ive been reminded of one hiccupa question, reallyin the concept of letting go. When tears
keep coming in waves, one word troubles me: How?
Appearing to move on from pain or disappointment in record
time doesnt equate with heroism. Were not better people by refusing to be honest with ourselves regarding what truly hurts.
Jesus is not hurried, ever. He is patient. Hes caring. He offers
new grace and mercy daily. He gets that sometimes we hurt for a
long time. And through that time He wants us to hang on to Him
and lean into Him for healing. He is with us for the long haul.
ERIN KEELEY MARSHALL
FAITH STEP: Simply thank Jesus for knowing your heart.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Monday, January 16
Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice
is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down,
the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house,
and it fell with a great crash.
Matthew 7:2627 (NIV)
AT WORK I HAVE A QUOTE by William Wilberforce stuck to my computer. He led the movement in the British Parliament to abolish
slavery. It says, You may choose to look the other way, but you
can never say again that you did not know. He said this when confronting people who considered themselves moral, even Christians,
while they were actively or passively condoning the slave trade. I use
the quote to inspire me in my quest to stamp out ignorance on our
college campus by making my students read and discuss controversial issues, instead of burying their heads in the sand.
It occurs to me that the same principle applies to the teachings
of Jesus. When we read His Word, listen to it taught, study it
then we are exposed. As Wilberforce admonished, we may choose
to look the other way, but only some of us can say we didnt know.
We know. Theres just a disconnect between knowing and doing
sometimes. But that disconnect is the way of foolishness. The
way of wisdom is to internalize the message and then act on it.
GWEN FORD FAULKENBERRY
FAITH STEP: What words of Jesus do you need to act on today? Perhaps they are
words youve heard all of your lifeyou cant say you dont know what to do. Its
just a hard thing to do it. But step out in obedience. Rather than shifting sand,
youll find solid rock beneath you.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Tuesday, January 17
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another

in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through
the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:23 (NIV)
JOHN AND I RECENTLY CELEBRATED our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary with a cruise because we knew that around the time of our
actual anniversary wed be bringing four new girls into our home
through adoption, making us the parents of ten children. Its not how
most people celebrate their silver anniversary, but we are thankful.
Adding children to our home has made us weary and frustrated at
times, but it has also brought us together. During times when Ive
been overwhelmed, Ive pulled my husband aside and asked, Can
you pray for me? Hes done the same. Weve stayed up late and
talked through issues to find solutions. There is nothing that makes
John more handsome to me than to see him talking patiently with an
unreasonable teen or cuddling with an unruly preschooler. Seeing my
husband being humble and patient makes him all the more lovable.
Marriage is hard, raising kids is hard, and conflicts in life can pull
us apart. They can also pull us together if we turn to each other
for help and support. Even when we disagree, we come together
before Jesus and pray for His Spirit to unify us. We need Jesus
because we need humility, gentleness, patience, love, and unity. If
marriage and parenting were easy, then we wouldnt need to turn to
Jesus as often. Marriage isnt about having a perfect life or relationship
but about turning to Jesus and discovering that He never disappoints.
TRICIA GOYER
FAITH STEP: Are you facing conflict in your marriage, or do you know of someone
who is? Pray and ask Jesus to bring humility, gentleness, patience, love, and unity
into that marriage today.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Then Moses said to them, No one is to keep any of it until morning.

However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it
until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell.
So Moses was angry with them. Exodus 16:1920 (NIV)
IVE WATCHED TV SHOWS about people who believe society is nearing destruction, so they prepare supplies of food. They build huge
stockpilessometimes at remote, hidden properties or just under
their beds and in their garages. It helps them to feel secure.
Security isnt a bad thing. I like having a bit of a cushion in our budget,
shelves of canned goods in the pantry, a lock on my front door. But its
easy to find security in my own plans and efforts and forget to trust Jesus.
When the Israelites needed food, God provided it daily, with
instructions to use it up each day. No security blanket. No savings
account. Just daily trust that the One Who led them out of captivity would also care for them as they traveled through the desert. I
wonder if I would have squirreled away a little extra, thinking Id
get a head start on the next day. Maybe my intentions would even
have been noble. Id have more to share if someone else needed it.
Those who relied on their own efforts for security and provision
soon ended up with maggots. When you hear the whisper of Jesus
saying, Trust Me. I am the Bread of Life, how do you respond?
Im afraid my answer is often, Yes, but. Yes, I trust You to meet my
needs, but I will push past the point of exhaustion to get more work done
in case the projects dry up later. Soon Im picking maggots out of the
mess of my striving. Instead, I can work joyfully, and also rest joyfully,
knowing that Jesus is my constant provider. SHARON HINCK
FAITH STEP: Choose some items from your kitchen cupboards to donate to a
food bank, and thank Jesus that you can trust Him to provide.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
I know that my Redeemer lives. . . . Job 19:25 (NAS)

DADDY, WHAT IS REDEEMED?
My three-year-old Stella, lying between us in bed, posed the
question. Shed been eyeing her fathers tattoo, a broken shackle
around his ankle with the word in bold letters: Redeemed.
I looked up from the book I was reading.
Stone cradled her face. It means that even though we make mistakes, we are worth a lot to Jesus, enough that He would die to save us.
Why, Daddy?
Because He loves us so much.
This answer seemed to satisfy our little theologian, who snuggled down and went to sleep. I lay there awake, though, unpacking
Stones definition and thinking over what it means to be redeemed.
Theres a story behind that tattooa story of redemption so
important to Stone that he wanted it inked onto his body. A trophy
of grace, in a way. And a memorial. Lest he ever forget the price
that was paid. How valuable he is. How loved. That he has been
set free.
Redeemed, in a sense, means giving something value. Understanding that Jesus values us is the beginning of faith. The work
of redemption in our daily lives, though, means that He gives
value to our sufferings, and even our mistakes, by bringing good
out of them. Beauty from ashes. Hope from despair. Life from
death. GWEN FORD FAULKENBERRY
FAITH STEP: Is there a choice you made that causes you grief? Or are you suf-
fering over something that wasnt your choice? Write this on your heart today:
My Redeemer lives. There is no place so dark that His light cant shine there.
Jesus lives to redeem you. Trust Him.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Friday, January 20
Your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life,
is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Colossians 3:34 (CEB)
UNABLE TO RESIST the lure of creating art with fabric, I took up
quilting for a season. I purchased a few tools and then visited the
fabric shop. As a beginner, I gathered my materials for that first
project, spreading the fat quarters as one might fan a deck of cards.
Even before I laid out the pattern for my first block, the project
held beauty. Colors of fabrics make art, even preassembly.
A friend of mine is a landscape and still-life artist. He squeezes
dollops of pigment onto his palette. He notes the unexpected artfulness of the colors before they ever reach the canvas.
My grandson separates Legos by color before building. The piles
of pieces are impressive before he snaps two together.
Our livesin both preassembly and disassembled stageshold
undeniable beauty. We cant always see it ourselves; were too close.
But Jesus has a clear view of who we are and what we will become.
I dont even have two puzzle pieces connected right now! But
the pieces are beautiful.
I see nothing but scraps and bits. Look at how colorful they are.
Itll come together soon.
I feel as if Im starting from scratch. Everythings been ripped
out. Jesus is an expert at rebuilding lives torn apart, disassembled.
You are on your way to a beautiful end product.
CYNTHIA RUCHTI
FAITH STEP: If your life isnt in tiny scraps right now, someone with whom you
cross paths feels that way. Watch for an opportunity to let that person know you
see beauty in his or her life, even at this preassembled stage.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:1618 (NIV)
ITS TAKEN ME A WHILE to feel that I understand prayer and to consider myself a praying person. Maybe its because of a misconception that I had since childhood that prayer was an event. I felt it was
something I needed to remember to tack on at the end of my day,
just like brushing my teeth before bed. It was a time when I needed
to be still and come before Jesus. There are times when I do that.
I love quiet mornings on my couch. Sometimes I even get on my
knees before Him, but Ive grown to discover prayer is not an event;
its a continual conversation.
In the last week I prayed when I started homeschooling seven children at one time. (I prayed wed all learn and get along!) This morning
I prayed as I watched my son drive away in the rain. (I prayed for his
protection and for a bubble to surround his car from crazy drivers.)
Last night I prayed for a friend when she shared a need on Facebook.
I didnt wait until the next mornings quiet time to pray. As I sat in
front of my computer, I closed my eyes for a moment and I asked
Jesus to be with her and to give her peace.
We dont need to wait for a certain time of day to pray; instead
we can go to Jesus anytime. Longer prayer times are importantto
listen as well as to make requestsbut Jesuss ear is always attuned
to even our smallest request. Each of us can be a praying person,
and today is a wonderful day to start. TRICIA GOYER
FAITH STEP: Whenever you hear of prayer needs during the day, pause and lift
your requests to Jesus. Then set a time to pray for a longer period, taking care to
listen for Jesuss whispers to your heart.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Sunday, January 22
Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
Psalm 116:7 (NIV)
WHILE GOING THROUGH A KEEPSAKE BOX, I found a notebook that
my younger son had used during third grade. His teacher had asked
the students to describe a family member. At the top of the page,
Kevin wrote My Mom. Underneath were six words: Curly hair. Big
smile. Always working.
When I first read those words almost thirty years ago, I felt glad Kevin
noticed how hard I worked to care for our home and family, along with
helping out at church, school, and in the community. But now, from
this vantage point, that word always tugs at my heart. Looking back, I
wish Id done a little less scrubbing and more playing with my children.
I grew up on a small family farm and got used to physical work at
an early age. But that work ethic can tempt me to live an unbalanced
life. I tend to evaluate my day solely by how much I get accomplished. When I go on vacation, I start a new chore list before I get
home. This narrow focus can make me miss opportunities to grow
spiritually and affect others.
The Bible promotes the value of hard work but also makes it clear
that we need physical rest (Genesis 2:3). Later, Jesus explained a different kind of rest we desperately needsoul rest. In Matthew 11:2829,
He invites us to become yoked together with Him and learn from
Him. Once we accept Christs unconditional love and become His, our
approach to life changes. Our past is forgiven, our future is secure, and
His loving presence guides us each day. And then we can finally enjoy
the deep, refreshing soul rest He offers. DIANNE NEAL MATTHEWS
FAITH STEP: Examine your soul for any signs of turbulence, unrest, or striving.
Ask Jesus to show you what keeps you from experiencing restorative rest in Him.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Monday, January 23
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing
made that was made. John 1:3 (ESV)
IM STILL WAITING TO USE MY PASSPORT, but my husband and I have
done without other things in order to be able to travel over the
years to some breathtaking spots. The Grand Canyon. The Rocky
Mountains. California. Cannon Beach in Oregon. The Atlantic
Ocean. Floridas Gulf Shore. Texas Hill Country. The waterfalls
of Wisconsin. (Yes, there are waterfalls in Wisconsin. One county
boasts forty of them!)
In regard to terrain and vistas, its a tough call. The vastness of the
Grand Canyon or the vastness of the ocean? The power of immobile mountains or the power of waves crashing onshore?
Imagine the most beautiful scenery youve been privileged to
observe. Picture being there, in that location, breathing that air,
feeling those inescapable sensations of wonder. And now consider
this: Wherever we stand on the earth, however high we soar above
it by plane or hot-air balloon or space station, we have to acknowledge that as glorious as this is, we have yet to see all Jesus can do!
Our appreciation of those breathtaking places leads to another
thought: Everything weve already seen pales in comparison to what is
yet to come. Jesus hasntand wont everexhaust His creativity,
His imagination, His joy at delighting us. Envision Him watching
tourists on the edge of the Grand Canyon enraptured by what they
see and saying to Himself, You think thats something? Just wait!
CYNTHIA RUCHTI
FAITH STEP: Revisit photos of your favorite vacation or getaway spot. Use those
images as a praise prompta reason to celebrate what Jesus is planning for those
who love Him. No eye has seen, nor ear heard (1 Corinthians 2:9, ESV).
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Tuesday, January 24
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of
long ago. . . . Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty
waters, though your footprints were not seen. Psalm 77:11, 19 (NIV)
WE HAD A FRESH SNOWFALL YESTERDAY. This morning the world is
blanketed and still. A casual glance would reveal a frozen emptiness.
Nothing stirs.
But as I study the snow, I notice evidence of a busy world. Tracks
weave around the backyard. Squirrels, rabbits, deer, perhaps even a
coyote. If I understood them, the marks would tell a story of fascinating nighttime wanderings and interactions.
At times my life feels like a barren snowscape. When my husband
and I talk over our day, I sigh and tell him, I didnt get much
done. Im tempted to doubt Ive been of any use to Jesus. Im also
tempted to doubt that He is working out His purposes in my dayto-day life.
When you look at your current circumstances, do you feel frustrated by prayers that seem unanswered? Take heart! Jesus is always
present and active in the lives of the believer. If you cant see His
work at the moment, look further back as the Psalmist did and
remember the many times He was at work in your lifeeven if
you couldnt see it at the time. Those memories make it easier to
stand in faith. Even when we cant see the proof today, behind the
scenes Jesus is leading us, protecting us, and using our lives to share
His love with others. One day well look back on today and see His
grace-filled footprints all over our lives. SHARON HINCK
FAITH STEP: Pull out a diary or a photo album and remember the deeds of Jesus
in your life in the past. Ask Him to give you faith to trust Him, even when you
cant see His footprints today.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.

Song of Solomon 4:7 (NIV)
THE THOUGHT CAME TO ME this week as I was trying on dresses for
my nieces wedding that I could sure do with some of the muscle
tone I had almost twenty years ago when I got married. It came to
me with some other thoughts like, If I am holding in my stomach,
why doesnt it look like I am holding in my stomach? and Why is the
skin on the top of my knee trying to fold over on itself ?
I know beauty is fleeting. My knee skin seems to be confirming
that. But the truth is we all want to feel beautiful. Heres the thing:
regardless of age, thigh circumference, and nose size, beautiful
is what we are. Whether we believe it or not. With our various ages,
unique faces, and different shapes, we are beautiful. Truly. When we
are brought low by the thickness of our ankles or our overly large
ears, the deep truth that needs to wedge itself into our hearts is that
the One who created us made us in His image, His glorious, unfathomable image. We need to let our feelings about ourselves reflect
what He actually thinks of us.
Jesus took great delight in the details of shaping our high foreheads and sturdy legs and strong hands. He loves us. He considers
us lovely. He loves us completelywhollywith His entire being,
no matter what. Jesus likes what He made; He likes whom He
made: you. SUSANNA FOTH AUGHTMON
FAITH STEP: Look in the mirror and say, Jesus loves me. I am made in His
image. I am lovely. In Him, I am truly loved.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting
the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6 (NLT)
RECENTLY WE DISCOVERED that a very close friend had been living
a secret life. He was caught in an act of sin and, once discovered,
confessed to years of struggles and hiding. His deeds put him in
jail, hurting his family and friends. The ripple continued, affecting
his church and work environment too. Numerous people were hurt
by this mans actions. Yet this path all started with one bad decision
that he hid, and after that another, until hed dug a pit of sin so deep
he didnt know how to escape.
The truth is often hard to confess, but secret lies are used to build
a stronghold of deception. Hearing stories like this reminds us
to confess our small sins to Jesus and others before they build an
impenetrable wall of shame around our hearts. Only truth, filling
each part of us, will cause every brick of deceit to crumble.
If there is truth, Jesus is there. John 14:6 says, Jesus told him, I
am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father
except through me.
When we allow more of Jesus into our lives, we let truth in. When
we hold on to lies, we are blocking out Jesusand hurting ourselves
and others. Confession is hard, but the result of not confessing is
worse. And when we confess, we have accountability, which protects us even more. Admitting our secrets may be hard to face for a
time, but it helps us walk closer to Jesus and brings truth into every
part of our lives. TRICIA GOYER
FAITH STEP: Do you have any secret sins, big or small, that you need to confess?
Confess to someone you trust who will help lead you to Jesus. Ask Jesus to fill you
with truth.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Friday, January 27
And looking at them Jesus said to them, With people this is impossible,
but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 (NAS)
FOR YEARS IVE ENCOURAGED PEOPLE to focus on the I wills of Scripture.
David, the Psalmist, offers countless, positive resolutions for the
future: I will give thanks to the Lord (Psalm 7:17, NIV); I will
praise you, Lord (Psalm 57:9, NIV); I will put my trust in you
(Psalm 56:3, NAS); I will tell of all your deeds (Psalm 73:28, NIV).
But along the way it occurred to me that my encouragement to
others should include more. Although the psalmist never intended
those verses to become self-driven statements, I can do that easily if
I leave out one component: Jesus. Without His help and power, all
my intentions will fall short and Ill fail every time.
So I began researching the Bible for the I wills or I ams of Jesus:
I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28, NIV); I am with you always
(Matthew 28:20, NIV); I will counsel you (Psalm 32:8, NIV); I am
the resurrection and the life (John 11:25, NIV).
Researching His names and character, I learned that with Jesus I
can succeed. He not only has the answers, but He is the answer. He
makes a way, but Hes also the Way. In my weak attempts to love
and to serve Him, He gives me both strength and motivation.
Living for Jesus requires more than positive affirmations and good
intentions. Jesus puts the initial want to in my heart. Only when I
rest in His power, His strength, and His character do I find the way
to accomplish anything. With Him, all things really are possible.
REBECCA BARLOW JORDAN
FAITH STEP: Scan through a few chapters in the New Testament and make your
own list of encouragements that Jesus offers. Then pass on that encouragement to
someone else.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
The minute I said, Im slipping, Im falling, your love, God,

took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself,
you calmed me down and cheered me up.
Psalm 94:18-19 (MSG)
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING US to the airport amid heavy traffic. A car
ahead of us slowed suddenly. I hissed in my breath and slammed my
foot onto a nonexistent brake on the floor in front of me. My husband,
an excellent driver who was completely alert to the traffic, sighed.
Sorry. I forced my fingers to relax their grip on the armrest.
When I ride the shotgun seat in a car, I can be a bit annoying.
Even though I dont need to make decisions to direct the car, my
instincts wont turn off. If a car enters traffic from the side, I flinch.
If I spot a pothole, my body tightens up. When a light ahead turns
red, Ive even been known to yell helpfully, Its red!
Like I said, I can be an irritating passenger.
So Ive learned to close my eyes, stop my alert scanning, and
remind myself Im not in the drivers seat.
I want to let Jesus steer my life. Yet when possible threats arise,
I often act in alarm. I tense. I flinch. I slam imaginary brakes. My
reflexes demand that I take over the speed, direction, and movement of my life.
Instead, when life throws us a challenge, we can close our eyes,
take a deep breath, and remember that we are not in the drivers
seat. Jesus bought us. We are His. We can invite Him to direct our
lives and ask for His help to relinquish our craving for control.
SHARON HINCK
FAITH STEP: Next time youre a passenger in a car, close your eyes and think
about the gift of allowing Jesus to safely guide your life.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Sunday, January 29
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you
will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.
Colossians 1:11 (NLT)
MY FRIEND CINDY skis every single day. I do not.
When the snow comes, Cindy puts on her skis and glides into the
forest. I join her once in a while. Shes kind, waiting for me, huffing
and puffing behind her. She probably goes back out after I leave to
get a proper workout, but she still invites me. I want to improve,
but I let other things keep me from getting out on my skis. I feel
bad for slowing her down, but I havent made the changes needed
to build the endurance that comes easily to her.
But thats just itCindys endurance developed not by wishing or
hoping but by skiing. In one sense, it did come easilya natural result
of the activity. Her muscles and lung capacity changed from the exertion. Skiing daily made her strong in a way good intentions couldnt.
In the same way, Jesus calls me to follow Him. He expects daily
action, saying, Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts
them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock
(Matthew 7:24, NIV). He told stories about faithful servants who
worked when no one was watching. He wants me not just to credit
His teachings but to abide in them, saying, If you stick with this,
living out what I tell you, you are my disciples (John 8:31, MSG).
Im learning to stick with His teachings daily, making them a way
of life. And Im finding strength and endurance for the journey
ahead. SUZANNE DAVENPORT TIETJEN
FAITH STEP: Are you in something for the long haul? A difficult job or mar-
riage, caring for a loved one? Parenting? Pray, and then with Jesuss help, show
up and show love. Today. Then again tomorrow.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Monday, January 30
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
MY MOTHER-IN-LAW, SANDY, is one of my favorite people. She loves
our family wholly and completely. She is always stopping by with
treats for the boys. She looks in on us regularly. Lately, she has been
reminding us to check our blind spots when we drive. So we check
our blind spots because we know that check your blind spots
really means I love you and I dont want anything bad to happen
to you. She thinks of us constantly and prays for us. Whenever
things get tough, I call her. I am praying heavy, she says. Were
thankful for the prayers because we know shes praying Gods will
for us. Sandy shows us in a million ways that she is thinking about
us. Her presence brings me momentary peace.
Jesus also shows me in a million ways that He is thinking about
me. He loves me wholly and completely. And He cares about every
single thing that is going on in my lifemy family, my work, my
dreams, my problems, and all of my anxious thoughts. He cares
about my body, mind, soul, and spirit. He knows that life can be too
big and overwhelming for me and so He stands, arms wide open,
and whispers, Why dont you let Me hold on to all those cares, all that
worry, all those fears? I would love to do that for you.
It is a fantastic thing to throw off that heavy weight, cast my anxieties on Him, and know that the One Who loves me most of all
has got it all under control. His presence brings me lasting peace.
SUSANNA FOTH AUGHTMON
FAITH STEP: Picture yourself throwing each of your worries, one by one, into
the capable arms of Jesus. Leave them there and rest in the knowledge that He
cares for you.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Tuesday, January 31
Then [the criminal] said, Jesus, remember me when You come into
Your kingdom! And He said to him, I assure you: Today you will
be with Me in paradise. Luke 23:4243 (HCS)
WHEN I THINK ABOUT FORGIVENESS, I tend to think big, like in the
situation with the criminal on the cross. I think about people who have
wronged me greatly and how hard it is to forgivebut how necessary
for my own peace. Or I may think, cringingly, of things Ive done to
hurt people on a large scale and how I hope theyve forgiven me. It seems
like most sermons I hear about forgiveness are like this too. Aimed at
helping listeners forgive the big things. But what about the little things?
Henri Nouwen writes that forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day. . . .
That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak that
is the human family. Forgiveness is the great work of love every
single day. So true, isnt it?
How many times per day am I called on to forgive little offenses?
My son forgets to take out the trash, my daughter loses her phone.
My husband doesnt call and comes home late. The cashier gets my
order wrong. A student falls asleep during my carefully prepared
lesson. These seem like big deals until I go over the list of my own
little offenses. I forgot to get milk. Answered a text in the middle of
dinner. Snapped at a colleague. Came unprepared to music practice.
The example of Jesus is forgiveness. All day, every day, offenses big
or small, of ourselves and others. GWEN FORD FAULKENBERRY
FAITH STEP: Is there something big you need to forgive? Get it over with! Then
go about practicing the great work of forgiveness with everyone you encounter
today, including yourself.
8/10/16 10:20 AM
Mornings with Jesus 2017

Daily Encouragement for your Soul
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
--Matthew 11:28
In Mornings with Jesus 2017, you can read and
reflect on one devotion each day that will encourage
you to embrace Jesuss love, to lay down your
worries and walk with Him, and to focus on Him as
Redeemer, Friend, and Faithful One. Lifting up their
voices in heartfelt gratitude, ten women, including
bestselling authors Tricia Goyer and Cynthia Ruchti,
consider the character and teachings of Jesus and
share how He enriches and empowers them daily
and how He wants to do the same for you.
Every day you will enjoy a scripture verse, reflection
on Jesuss words, and a faith step that inspires and
challenges you in your daily walk of living a Christlike life.
Get Your Copy of Mornings with Jesus 2017!
Save 20% at FaithGateway when you

use coupon code ZN20
(One use per customer. Not valid with any other
coupon offers or discounts.)
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ZONDERVAN

Mornings with Jesus 2017

mornings with jesus 2017 | 1

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[Jesus said] Whoever finds their life will lose it,

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6 | mornings with jesus 2017

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comfort in the promises of God.

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. . . Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

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God said, Let there be light. And so light appeared.

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But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that

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He was despised and rejecteda man of sorrows, acquainted with

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Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another

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Then Moses said to them, No one is to keep any of it until morning.

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I know that my Redeemer lives. . . . Job 19:25 (NAS)

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Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;

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You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.

image. I am lovely. In Him, I am truly loved.

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The minute I said, Im slipping, Im falling, your love, God,

about the gift of allowing Jesus to safely guide your life.

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Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

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Mornings with Jesus 2017

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